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How will the 2026 World Cup be remembered? Ranking the nine top storylines
Every World Cup has one enduring legacy. 2022 was Messi's win. 2018 was Mbappe's breakout. What will 2026 be remembered for?
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Simultaneously amazing and awful, this World Cup was indeed unlike any other
The 2026 World Cup and all that went into it -- the gorgeous and garish, the cinematic and corrupt.
Top Headlines
Best and worst at the World Cup
World Cup grades: Infantino, Bielsa both earn an F
(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
World Cup's best and most disappointing XIs, from Messi to Pulisic
Transfer focus
Why Rogers' $157M Chelsea transfer is high risk, but Anderson's $155M move to City isn't
Aston Villa/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images
Onuoha: Morgan Rogers joining Chelsea is Alonso's statement of intent
1:06
From chaos to history: How Wrexham's first Champions League campaign came about
Global Soccer Scoreboard
Spain rise to the top
Stargazing: Inside the last days of Spain's quest for a second World Cup
Alex Pantling - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Spain celebrate World Cup glory with trophy lift in Madrid
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NEW THREADS
Pulisic unveils AC Milan 2026-27 away kit inspired by Champions League final clashes with Liverpool
AC Milan
Chelsea 'unleash the lion' on new away kit
Transfer Talk
Transfer rumors, news: Arsenal to move for Spain World Cup winner
Omar Vega/Getty Images
World Cup fun
On top of the gram: Haaland, Vozinha most followed on IG during World Cup
Buda Mendes/Getty Images
Ranking the best viral moments, from Merlin the Duck to the Viking Row
Top Headlines
- Messi in Rosario to rest after WCup final loss
- Fernández breaks silence after WCup heartbreak
- Timbers hire former Leicester manager Cifuentes
- CONMEBOL boss: Next WCup will have 64 teams
- Martínez hints about Argentina future after WC
- LaLiga chief: 64-team WC would destroy soccer
- Sources: QPR co-owner in Liverpool stake talks
- Durán joins Benfica, 7th club of his career at 22
- 🦆 Ranking the World Cup's best viral moments
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- Maja Hitij/FIFA via Getty Images
Messi didn't play well in World Cup final vs. Spain: So what? He's still the GOAT
It's unlikely Messi will play in a World Cup final again, and although he disappointed against Spain, it will be forgotten due to his dazzling career.
- John Dorton/USSF/Getty Images
Projecting the USMNT 2030 World Cup roster: 30 players to rep the U.S. in four years
The tears are barely dry from the USMNT's 2026 World Cup exit, but the page immediately turns to the 2030 World Cup. Here's who could represent the U.S. in four years.
- Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Breakout stars of the 2026 World Cup: Diomande, Freeman, Manzambi, more
The 2026 World Cup will be remembered for how all the superstars showed up and dominated, but we've also had a few young talents breaking though. Here are four of the best we'll remember going into the 2026-27 season.
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The Dream Factory: Inside the 'cruel' system behind Argentina's soccer empire
An investigation into Argentina's soccer system that produced the defending World Cup champions found that it is rife with exploitation.
Legends chasing milestones
- (Photo by Maja Hitij - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Cristiano Ronaldo goal tracker: Road to 1,000 career goals
With Cristiano Ronaldo on the quest to score 1,000 goals, ESPN provides goal-by-goal analysis of the Portuguese superstar's quest.
- Tom Weller/picture alliance via Getty Images
Messi tracker: Goals, assists, key moments in 2026
ESPN provides game-by-game analysis of Lionel Messi's performances for Inter Miami and Argentina.
